He has vowed to prioritize European unity and the continent’s security as it grapples with the new Trump administration and Russia’s war on Ukraine.

World War II Germany's 10th chancellor, the culmination of a yearslong political career that was once sidelined by his party’s iconic leader. The 69-year-old head of the center-right Union bloc, which won the country's national election with 28.

The multi-faceted Friedrich Merz promises to be a most indecipherable head of government. Only one thing's for certain: He is willing to take risks. It comes with serious perils, but may be exactly what Germany (and the world) needs right now.